About Mask Mandates, Layoffs, and Freelance Workers: HR News Roundup for September 2022
As we see pandemic-related quarantines and mask mandates being loosened, we also see layoffs and workers feeling disconnected.
Here’s BrioHR’s HR news roundup from Southeast Asia and beyond for September 2022.
Image credit: New Straits Times
Malaysia Drops Indoor Mask Mandate
Malaysia no longer requires people to wear masks indoors, with the exception of those using public transport and those in medical facilities. Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin however said that mask wearing is still encouraged due to its effectiveness in preventing COVID-19.
Image credit: Edgar Su/Reuters
Shopee Lays Off Hundreds Amidst Biting Losses
E-commerce giant Shopee laid off hundreds of staff in Singapore, Indonesia, and China as the company seeks to cut costs and attain profitability. Forrest Li, founder and CEO of Shopee, said in a memo to staff that, “In the immediate term, we must find every way we can to reduce our operating costs. The more cash we save each day, the more time we can buy ourselves to weather out this storm.”
Image credit: Yasmina H/Unsplash
Singapore Remote Workers Feel Disconnected
A survey by Logitech shows that 54 percent of employees who participated in hybrid meetings virtually thought they had fewer chances to establish rapport with other meeting attendees. Bryan Lee, Logitech’s Head of Video Collaboration for Southeast Asia said that business leaders need to focus on facilitating equitable meetings, enabling all participants to contribute no matter their location.
Image credit: Jisun Han/Unsplash
Singapore Unveils ONE Pass to Lure Global Talent
Singapore has recently announced the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass), a visa programme that aims to attract worldwide talent across all sectors to Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower said that the pass “provides employment flexibility by allowing eligible applicants to concurrently start, operate and work for multiple companies in Singapore at any one time.”
Image credit: Grab
Philippines Approves Protection for Freelance Workers
The Philippines House of Representatives labour and employment committee has unanimously approved the Freelance Workers Protection Act. The bill aims to promote the safety and well-being of freelance workers, specifically by mandating the provision of mandatory hazard pay and night shift differential pay.
Image credit: Tyrone Siu/Reuters
Hong Kong Lifts Hotel Quarantine Requirement
Travellers to Hong Kong no longer need to undergo a mandatory hotel quarantine, said the Hong Kong government. Instead, travellers are to undergo three days of self-monitoring, during which they are free to go out but prohibited from entering common areas like restaurants, bars, and shopping malls.
Learn how BrioHR can simplify HR for your business by getting a free demo here.
As we see pandemic-related quarantines and mask mandates being loosened, we also see layoffs and workers feeling disconnected.
Here’s BrioHR’s HR news roundup from Southeast Asia and beyond for September 2022.
Malaysia Drops Indoor Mask Mandate
Malaysia no longer requires people to wear masks indoors, with the exception of those using public transport and those in medical facilities. Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin however said that mask wearing is still encouraged due to its effectiveness in preventing COVID-19.
Shopee Lays Off Hundreds Amidst Biting Losses
E-commerce giant Shopee laid off hundreds of staff in Singapore, Indonesia, and China as the company seeks to cut costs and attain profitability. Forrest Li, founder and CEO of Shopee, said in a memo to staff that, “In the immediate term, we must find every way we can to reduce our operating costs. The more cash we save each day, the more time we can buy ourselves to weather out this storm.”
Singapore Remote Workers Feel Disconnected
A survey by Logitech shows that 54 percent of employees who participated in hybrid meetings virtually thought they had fewer chances to establish rapport with other meeting attendees. Bryan Lee, Logitech’s Head of Video Collaboration for Southeast Asia said that business leaders need to focus on facilitating equitable meetings, enabling all participants to contribute no matter their location.
Singapore Unveils ONE Pass to Lure Global Talent
Singapore has recently announced the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass), a visa programme that aims to attract worldwide talent across all sectors to Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower said that the pass “provides employment flexibility by allowing eligible applicants to concurrently start, operate and work for multiple companies in Singapore at any one time.”
Philippines Approves Protection for Freelance Workers
The Philippines House of Representatives labour and employment committee has unanimously approved the Freelance Workers Protection Act. The bill aims to promote the safety and well-being of freelance workers, specifically by mandating the provision of mandatory hazard pay and night shift differential pay.
Hong Kong Lifts Hotel Quarantine Requirement
Travellers to Hong Kong no longer need to undergo a mandatory hotel quarantine, said the Hong Kong government. Instead, travellers are to undergo three days of self-monitoring, during which they are free to go out but prohibited from entering common areas like restaurants, bars, and shopping malls.
Learn how BrioHR can simplify HR for your business by getting a free demo here.
